Donald Charles May

Donald Charles May, 71, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2007 at his home.

Donald was born on September 29, 1935, the son of Lark DeWitt and Gwendolene Marie (Willsey) May. He was raised in Topeka and attended Polk Grade School, Crane Junior High, and graduated from Topeka High School.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended Basic Training at Fort Hood, TX and was based at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico as a Chaplain's Assistant as well as a Cook in the Mess Hall.

Donald worked for International Harvester in K.C. as a 2nd Class Machinest. He also worked for Coopers Motor Parts, City Auto Supply, and Southwide Automotive during his career as an automotive machinist. He semi-retired in 1980 and continued part time jobs; first with Benchmark Security and later with Tates Bait Shop.

Donald was united in marriage to Teresa Helena Rios on January 1, 1958 in Puerto Rico. She preceded him in death in 1990.

He was a member of the Kansas Bow Hunter's Association; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, and coin collecting.

Survivors include his brother, Kent M. May of Rogers, Ark.; children, Joe W. May of Mayetta, Chuck D. May of Topeka, and Mary T. Bargas of Topeka; and nine grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Mr. May will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will follow at Topeka Cemetery. He will lie in state after 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tribute Processing Center, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS 66601-1653 or to the March of Dimes, 1133 SW Gage Blvd, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66604.